Reports have surfaced around the Web that some users are finding their recently-purchased AMD Ryzen 5 1600 and 1600X CPUs, which normally would have six cores (and 12 threads, with Simultaneous mutlithreading) actually have eight working cores (and 16 threads) out of the box. Unlike AMD's decade-old Phenom series, in which some dual and triple-core processors could be unlocked to fully functioning quad-cores via a BIOS feature offered on some motherboards, these Ryzen CPUs require no special BIOS setting. The processors still run at the stock advertised clock speeds, and retain the 1600's 576kb of L1 cache. But with the extra cores available, the 1600 series processors are basically on par performance-wise with the corresponding Ryzen 7 1800 series CPUs. This is an incredible value for lucky AMD users, as the 1800X retails for nearly twice the price of the 1600X.

And lucky these users are, as reports so far indicate that most, if not all of the unlocked CPUs come from the same batch of silicon, manufactured between September 4th and September 10th in Malaysia. This may indicate a quality control issue at this specific AMD factory. Alternatively, AMD could be bolstering its stock of Ryzen 5 1600 and 1600X CPUs to meet the higher demand of the mid-range chip, by labeling 1700 and 1700X CPUs as 1600 and 1600X respectively. Whatever the reason, it is definitely a welcome surprise to fortunate AMD users. If you have already purchased a Ryzen 5 1600 or 1600X recently, simply checking CPU-Z or looking at your windows task manager will reveal whether you are one of the recipients of an unlocked chip. If you are looking to buy such a CPU however, perhaps second-hand, a Reddit user known as "Rigred" claims he has deciphered the serial numbers corresponding to this batch of processors, allowing prospective buyers to verify that the chip is actually one of the unlocked few.

infrared said:Not really, I've got two 1800X's and don't feel ripped off at all. Try to be happy for people that luck out, not bitter that you/others didn't :)

Absolutely...

and I am sure I will never hear 7700k unlocked 1c/2 thread for sure.. if at all that happens, intel will file a complaint asking buyer to pay for he extra core or return it for a stock 7700k as they will lose sleep that they missed out 30$ For that unlocked core

I think this is an attempt by AMD to boost Ryzen sales. Budget-oriented buyers love these "Easter eggs". Most AMD fans still talk about the Athlon pencil mod from 17 years ago (see above post), as if it's the Holy Grail. Probably a good move; 1800/1800X sales were crippled by the release of Ryzen 5, this way they sell parts that may otherwise be remaindered at a complete loss. Every little bit helps...

and I am sure I will never hear 7700k unlocked 1c/2 thread for sure.. if at all that happens, intel will file a complaint asking buyer to pay for he extra core or return it for a stock 7700k as they will lose sleep that they missed out 30$ For that unlocked core

Why don't you just enjoy your 1800x, bashing Intel with imagined scenarios won't make your CPU run any better, it just makes you sound like another rabid AMD fan in denial. Seriously, enough already, it doesn't make you sound cool or more informed. Being proud of your build is great, don't water it off with useless crap that just alienates people. Try to take the high road and rise above the average fanboy (both sides should chill out, all this stuff does is make "normal" people think all PC enthusiasts are crazy). You prefer AMD, I like Intel, so what? We all like PCs that perform well for our needs, and we all have plenty of common ground to discuss.

Hood said:Why don't you just enjoy your 1800x, bashing Intel with imagined scenarios won't make your CPU run any better, it just makes you sound like another rabid AMD fan in denial. Seriously, enough already, it doesn't make you sound cool or more informed. Being proud of your build is great, don't water it off with useless crap that just alienates people. Try to take the high road and rise above the average fanboy (both sides should chill out, all this stuff does is make "normal" people think all PC enthusiasts are crazy). You prefer AMD, I like Intel, so what? We all like PCs that perform well for our needs, and we all have plenty of common ground to discuss.

Ha, that's funny. Pretending that most PC enthusiasts only buy what best suites their needs. Nope, in reality most PC enthusiasts buy brand first, then performance. If performance was really the end all be all AMD would have sold more graphics cards when it had the technological edge back in the day and same goes for CPUs. Instead we have two companies that have good marketing that rule the markets. Coincidence? I think not.